SIMS Teacher App Administrator Guide...The information contained within this SIMS Teacher app Administrator Guide should not be distributed, shared, reproduced, in any material form

SIMS Teacher app

Administrator Guide

Version 4.2

SIMS Teacher app School Administrator Guide

© Capita Education Software Services

Supporting information for the school administrator who will administer the Teacher app within their school, including authorising devices and activating teacher accounts.

Version 4.1

Information use and disclaimer

The information contained within this SIMS Teacher app Administrator Guide should not be distributed,

shared, reproduced, in any material form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium including

by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally) without the written permission of

Capita Children’s Services.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the technical accuracy of the information contained within this

document Capita Children’s Services is not responsible for, and does not accept any liability in respect

of, any claims, losses or damages (howsoever they arise) made or incurred by any persons or bodies as

a result of using the information contained within this document.

2017 Capita plc.

Capita Children’s Services

Franklin Court

Stannard Way

Priory Business Park

Cardington

BEDFORD

MK44 3JZ

www.capita-sims.co.uk

http://www.capita-sims.co.uk/


© Capita Education Software Services

Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1

About this Document .............................................................................................................................. 1 About the SIMS Teacher app ................................................................................................................. 1 About the SIMS Teacher app Administrator Role ................................................................................... 1 Supported Platform Operating Systems/Devices: .................................................................................. 1

Getting Started with the SIMS Teacher app Management Console .................................................... 2 Accessing the Teacher app Management Console ................................................................................ 2

Associating Devices and Activating School Staff Accounts ............................................................... 4 Step 1: Authorising devices .................................................................................................................... 4

Entering the association code into the SIMS Teacher app ................................................................. 5 Step 2: Activating staff accounts ............................................................................................................. 5

Entering the staff activation code into the SIMS Teacher app ............................................................ 7 Preparing the SIMS System for the Teacher app .................................................................................. 9

Provisioning School Staff Details ............................................................................................................ 9 Checking the correct permissions and status for school staff ............................................................. 9

SIMS and the SIMS Teacher app – Key Dependencies ...................................................................... 10 Timetabled sessions and lessons ..................................................................................................... 10 Attendance ........................................................................................................................................ 10

Recording Achievement and Behaviour in the SIMS Teacher app ...................................................... 10 Checking the Achievement, Behaviour and Attendance Codes are Enabled ................................... 11 Assessment Manager ....................................................................................................................... 12 SIMS Dinner Money .......................................................................................................................... 12

Setting up Offline Working Mode for School Staff .............................................................................. 13 Blocking Access to and Deleting Devices ........................................................................................... 14

Blocking Access to an Authorised Device ............................................................................................ 14 Deleting a Device from your Teacher app system ................................................................................ 14

Stopping or Resetting Staff Member’s Account ................................................................................. 15 SIMS Teacher app Security and Authentication ................................................................................. 16

Authentication ....................................................................................................................................... 16 Security ................................................................................................................................................. 16 Two-factor (2-FA) authentication for Administrator and Teacher Access ............................................. 17

Automatic updates of the SIMS Teacher app ...................................................................................... 18 Enable Automatic Downloads on your iPad ......................................................................................... 18

Requirements for Automatic Downloads ........................................................................................... 18 Enable Automatic Downloads ........................................................................................................... 18 Further information about automatic downloads ............................................................................... 18

SIMS Teacher app Data Sharing Update .............................................................................................. 19 SIMS Teacher app Data Movement Overview ..................................................................................... 19 SIMS Teacher app Transfer and Use of Personal Information ............................................................ 19

Support included for the SIMS Teacher app service .......................................................................... 20 Troubleshooting and useful notes ....................................................................................................... 21

Teacher app failing to connect/login ................................................................................................. 21 Problems recording achievement or behaviour information ............................................................. 21 Problems recording attendance/registration ..................................................................................... 21 Activation details not recognised ...................................................................................................... 21 Teacher app services not running ..................................................................................................... 21

Useful Notes ......................................................................................................................................... 22 Using the iPad Voice Dictation option ............................................................................................... 22 Using the Google sign-in on the Teacher app management console ............................................... 23 Update information and using a generic administrator Teacher app email address ........................ 23


© Capita Education Software Services 1

Introduction

About this Document

This document is intended to provide a useful reference for school administrators to help get started with the

SIMS Teacher app service from Capita Children’s Services (CCS).

About the SIMS Teacher app

The SIMS Teacher app service is the provision of an iOS and Windows tablet application and supporting

secure data services that integrate with a school’s SIMS system, and enables school staff that have been given

authorised access to record attendance, behaviour achievement and assessment data, plus access useful

student information through a tablet device.

About the SIMS Teacher app Administrator Role

The Teacher app provides a management console for each school to access in order to manage the

authentication of tablet devices and teacher accounts for the Teacher app service. The management console

allows an administrator to manage:

(1) Device authorisation – each device has a unique association code to ensure only devices which can

authenticate to the SIMS Teacher app service are granted access.

(2) School staff access – to ensure the user is only able to access the SIMS Teacher app service after

successfully authenticating to the service, via their device.

The purpose of the two step activation process for the SIMS Teacher app is to provide controls for the schools

to ensure only devices the school authorises can be used, and secondly, only school staff the school wishes to

have access to the school’s SIMS data via the Teacher app are allowed and controlled.

Supported Platform Operating Systems/Devices:

The SIMS Teacher app is compatible with the following platform operating systems and devices:

Apple iOS versions iOS 9, iOS 10, iOS 11 iPad 2

Third-Generation iPad

Fourth-Generation iPad

iPad mini

iPad Air

iPad Pro

The Teacher app is only compatible with tablet devices and is not supported on iPhones

Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 compatible tablet devices

Due to the increasing number of Windows compatible tablet devices available, we are unable to test the

Teacher app on every single one, but we have carried out successful tests on a number of major devices.

Please note: The SIMS Teacher app is not compatible or supported on Android, Amazon Kindles, Google

Chromebooks or other Android OS devices.

Devices

Capita SIMS does not provide devices (iPads or other Windows compatible devices) as part of the Teacher

app service – schools are required to provide the devices to be used.



Getting Started with the SIMS Teacher app Management Console The SIMS Teacher app management console allows the school administrator to enable access for school staff

to SIMS data, via their activated devices.

Accessing the Teacher app Management Console

1. The Teacher app management console can be accessed at https://setup.capita-sims.co.uk.

The Teacher app management console will display as below in your browser:

2. Select either the Microsoft, Google or Office 365 sign in option and enter your account details when

prompted.

NOTE: The school administrator will need to have created their own Microsoft or Google account

before accessing the SIMS Teacher app management console, or they can use their O365 account if

this has been associated with the Teacher app service. The Microsoft, Google or O365 account will

always be used as the administrator’s username and password for their SIMS Teacher app

management system. They will also need a valid SIMS Username and Password.

NOTE: If using an Office 365 account for administrator access to the Teacher app, the admin

will need to first associate their Office 365 Active Directory with the Teacher app via the Azure

Active Directory Synchronization Services. Information on how to do this is available in the

Teacher app Office 365 Integration Guide.

https://setup.capita-sims.co.uk/



If you log in with your Microsoft, Google or Office 365 details and are then presented with a screen similar

to the following image, this means that the management console does not recognise the access details

you have entered. This is because either you are not yet set up, or the account is not linked with the

school.

3. If your Microsoft, Google or Office 365 access details are successfully entered and verified, you will be

prompted to enter your SIMS username and password. Enter your details and click Login.

4. Following successful login, you will now access the standard Teacher app management console.

The management console provides 3 screens:

Devices – allows you to create association codes for devices your staff wish to use

Users – displays a list of all staff from your school’s SIMS system

Account – allows you to associate your Office 365 Active Directory for your school staff

[your email address] is not associated with a school



Associating Devices and Activating School Staff Accounts For staff to use the SIMS Teacher app, two steps require completion. This two-step activation process ensures

that only devices authorised by the school can be used, and only authorised staff can access the school’s data

via the Teacher app.

The following sections provide an easy step-by-step guide to help with the device and teacher activation steps.

Step 1: Authorising devices

In order to use a device with the SIMS Teacher App, you must first create a unique code that must be entered

into the Teacher app when the App is first accessed on a device.

1. From the SIMS Teacher app management console, select the Devices option.

2. To add a new device, select the + Add new device button and enter a relevant device name into the

Name field (this name must be unique).

3. Enter any relevant information into the Additional Information field, such as an asset tag of the device to

be authorised.

4. Select the Add device and generate association code button to create a unique association code.



Entering the association code into the SIMS Teacher app

1. Download the Teacher app from the App Store on the device by searching for SIMS Teacher.

2. Open the app and tap the Sign In option.

3. Enter the relevant Association code then tap on the Associate this device button

4. Once the association code has been entered correctly, a confirmation message is displayed.

Step 2: Activating staff accounts

Create Activation Codes for staff that the school wishes to allow access to the Teacher app.

This process will create a unique activation code that is required to be entered into the Teacher app when the

app is accessed on a device, once the device association code has successfully been entered.

This activation step by school staff is a one-off process to ensure authorised staff can access the Teacher app.

IMPORTANT: As part of staff account activation, the member of staff will be required to enter

their Unique Activation Code plus their Date of Birth.

Ensure that staff dates of birth are entered within the school’s SIMS system.



1. The Teacher app management console provides a full list of active users within your school’s SIMS

system.

To activate one or more members of staff, select the check box adjacent to the staff member’s name. Click

the Save button.

2. Click the Download Activation Codes button. This generates unique codes for each member of staff,

which they are required to enter into the Teacher app when prompted.

3. The Download Activation Codes generates a CSV file (within a ZIP folder), containing the list of staff

selected, their activation status and their unique activation codes.

A window may appear asking if you wish to Open or Save the Teacher app activation code zip folder –

open or save to a location on your PC/laptop to access the file.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx



The CSV file can saved or can be opened in Microsoft Excel.

4. Provide the activation code from the CSV file to the corresponding member of staff – they will be required

to enter this unique code into the Teacher app when prompted as part of the initial security and verification

process.

Entering the staff activation code into the SIMS Teacher app

1. Open the Teacher app on the device you wish to authorise, then tap on the Sign In option.

2. Sign-in with an identity provider – either Microsoft, Office 365 or Google account.

The member of staff can use either a new or existing Microsoft, Office 365 or Google account. This will

serve as the member of staff’s login details for the Teacher app from this point onwards each time they log

in to the app.



3. The member of staff is required to enter the Unique Activation Code provided to them, plus their Date of

Birth as recorded in the school’s SIMS system.

Both of these pieces of data are required to match to allow the teacher to access the Teacher app service.

Once logged into the Teacher app, the staff member is required to set their own 4-digit PIN passcode. This

gives access to the app in online or offline mode.

NOTE: If you are using an Office 365 account for staff access, you will need to first associate

their Office 365 Active Directory with the Teacher app via the Azure Active Directory

Synchronization Services. Information on this is available in the Teacher app Office 365

Integration Guide.



Preparing the SIMS System for the Teacher app The SIMS Teacher app service will display data held within in your school’s SIMS database securely and in

real-time (live) to school staff who you authorise for access through the App.

It is therefore vital that procedures are in place to ensure that data is accurate, up to date, complete and

appropriate, both prior to issuing association information and subsequently. The following is a possible but not

exhaustive list of key data- and system-related issues that each school should check before rolling out the

SIMS Teacher app service to school staff.

Provisioning School Staff Details

The SIMS Teacher app has been designed specifically for teachers to support key administration activities

such as taking registration and recording achievement and behaviour information.

The iOS version of the Teacher app does allow any member of the school staff who is listed in SIMS as active

to be able to have access to the Teacher app. The functions available within the Teacher app for the staff

member will be based on their SIMS permissions configured by the school.

For example, support staff may not be able to take attendance, but can view student details and record

achievement/behaviour information.

Checking the correct permissions and status for school staff

In order for school staff to be displayed in the user list within the SIMS Teacher app management console, the

member of staff must be currently listed in SIMS as currently active.

For specific permissions assigned to the member of staff having access to the Teacher app, review your SIMS

system by navigating to Group Permissions | System Manager.

For teaching staff, the following details must be applied to their account:

1. Within the school’s SIMS system, access Focus | Person | Staff | Search and select the

member of staff.

2. Navigate to the Employment Details tab.

3. Ensure the box labelled Teaching Staff is ticked, then click Save.

4. Ensure the Employment Start Date is populated. This date cannot be in the future.

5. The Teacher must have the Date of Birth field populated.

The teacher must also have the following permission applied:

1. Within the school’s SIMS system, navigate to the Group Permissions tab:

2. Within System Manager, the member of staff must have the Class Teacher permission selected and

active.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When activating school staff for the Teacher app:

Users need to be active within the school’s SIMS system.

Review assigned permissions within SIMS for staff who you are providing access to the

Teacher app.

Ensure the user’s date of birth is correctly recorded within the school’s SIMS system

before creating the user’s activation code – this is required when the user activates their

account.



SIMS and the SIMS Teacher app – Key Dependencies

The SIMS Teacher app utilises the following aspects of the main SIMS system to present relevant data and

resources.

Timetabled sessions and lessons The Teacher app displays AM and PM sessions (including cover sessions) from the school’s SIMS system as

default, with the assigned pupils and students showing within these sessions.

Lesson Monitor timetables

Where a school has SIMS Lesson Monitor active within their SIMS system, the Teacher app displays individual

lessons or sessions (including cover lessons) as timetabled within SIMS.

No other configuration of timetabled lessons or sessions from SIMS is displayed within the Teacher app.

Attendance The Teacher app integrates directly with SIMS attendance and will display the attendance codes as configured

and set as active within the school’s SIMS system.

Navigate to Tools | Setups | Attendance Setup | Codes | Maintain Codes. For each Attendance Code,

ensure that the Active status box is ticked, then click the OK button.

Recording Achievement and Behaviour in the SIMS Teacher app

The SIMS Teacher app uses certain values from the SIMS system to provide key functionality such as

recording achievement and behaviour information. In order for these values to be available within the Teacher

app, they have to be made available to use by setting the Active option within SIMS.

The achievement and behaviour types have an indicator in the school’s SIMS system that defines whether they

can be used from the class register level, which is needed by the Teacher app.



Checking the Achievement, Behaviour and Attendance Codes are Enabled

Achievement

Within the school’s SIMS system, navigate to Tools | Setups | Behaviour Management | Achievement

Type.

For each Achievement Type, ensure that the Active status is True and that Include in Register is set to Yes.

Behaviour

Within the school’s SIMS system, access the following 2 screens

Navigate to Tools | Setups | Behaviour Management | Behaviour Type.

For each Behaviour Type, ensure that the Active status is set to True and Include in Register is set to Yes.



Navigate to Tools | Setups | Behaviour Management | Behaviour Role Type. For each Behaviour Role,

ensure that the Active status is set to True.

Assessment Manager The Teacher app integrates directly with SIMS Assessment Manager and will display assessment marksheets

as available for the user, according to the specified availability and permissions within the school’s SIMS

system. Non-SIMS assessment Marksheets cannot be displayed within the Teacher app.

SIMS Dinner Money The Teacher app does not currently update SIMS Dinner Money when taking attendance.



Setting up Offline Working Mode for School Staff The option to enable offline working for specific staff within the school, e.g. P.E. staff, is useful if they are

teaching with limited access to the school’s Wi-Fi. This option is configurable in the Management Console via

the User tab.

1. Login to your Teacher app Management Console and navigate to the Users page.

2. Locate the member of staff in the list you wish to enable offline working for.

3. Select Enable Offline Working from the Actions drop-down menu adjacent to their details.

4. Confirm Offline Working for the member of staff by clicking the Yes button.

5. The Offline Working status changes to Enabled for the selected member of staff.

The member of staff now has Offline Working enabled for their account.

NOTE: Offline working is only intended for staff with scheduled lessons or sessions. As the

app downloads the current day’s lessons or sessions, staff accessing the Teacher app with no

lessons assigned will not download any information.



Blocking Access to and Deleting Devices

Blocking Access to an Authorised Device

To block access to a device that has been previously authorised by the school, navigate to the SIMS Teacher

app management console.

1. Within the management console, access the Devices screen

2. Locate the device that you wish to block and select Action – then the Block option

3. A pop-up window will appear asking if you wish to Block this device?

4. Select Yes to block the device and prevent the app being used.

Deleting a Device from your Teacher app system

To delete a device, access the SIMS Teacher app management console.

1. Access the Devices screen and locate the device that you wish to block.

2. Click the Action button, then select Delete.

3. A pop-up window appears, asking if you wish to delete this device.

4. To delete the device, click the Yes button. This removes the authorisation for the selected device when the

user next tries to login to the Teacher app.

Debbie Glover

IMPORTANT NOTE: Choosing to delete a device will prevent access to the Teacher app on

the device and permanently remove the device from the system. If you would prefer to

temporarily deny access, choose the block option.



Stopping or Resetting Staff Member’s Account The Reset feature can be used where you would like to immediately stop individual staff access to the Teacher

app, or where the staff member may want to use a different account – for example changing from a Microsoft

to a Google account.

1. Within the management console, access the Users screen

2. Locate the member of staff in the list that you would like to stop or reset their account – an activated

account will have a status of Active.

3. To stop or reset a member of staff, click the Reset button.

4. A pop-up window will appear asking if you wish to reset the login credentials for the member of staff. Click

the Yes button.

5. The reset action will be confirmed on screen when successfully completed

6. To create a new activation code to login using a different/new Microsoft of Google account, a new

activation code will be automatically available for the teacher by clicking the Download Activation Codes

link at the base of the Users screen.

NOTE: The staff member will no longer be able to login with their existing credentials once this

action has been completed.



Setup.capita-

sims.co.uk

(Management

and signup

website)

SIMS Teacher app Security and Authentication

Authentication

The SIMS Teacher app service provides authentication in accordance with the UK Government’s National

Technical Authority for Information Assurance (CESG) ‘Guidance for End User Devices Security Guidance:

General Security Recommendations’:

1. User to service: Users are only able to access the SIMS Teacher app service after successfully

authenticating to the service, via their device.

2. Device to service: Only devices authenticated to the SIMS Teacher app service are granted access.

Security

The SIMS Teacher app is a securely hosted web delivered service, with data securely transferred in real-time

and encrypted between the school’s SIMS system (locally or centrally hosted) via the web using standard

secure HTTPS TCP/IP protocols to devices authenticated by the school. No school data is stored in the Azure

platform (cloud) – data is only transferred via the Microsoft Windows Azure platform (Service Bus).

All data is securely transferred and processed within the EU and complies with UK data protection standards

and requirements.

All traffic to and from the SIMS Teacher app service is accessed using standard web protocols (HTTPS) and

secured using the appropriate SSL certificates. Services are tiered following industry and software vendor

best practice principles.

The network architecture is compliant to ISO27001 and utilises a multi-tier isolated VLAN design with fully

managed software firewalls on each server, IDS/IPS, SQL firewalls, data encryption and load balancing to

ensure security and performance for all users of the SIMS Teacher app service.

The SIMS Teacher app service is fully penetration tested at the application layer and externally by a

nominated Security company every quarter.

Device security

Capita SIMS recommends that schools have additional security policies in place with devices containing school

data inside and outside of school premises. It is strongly recommended that the school incorporates additional

device security measures that enable the school to remotely wipe, disable and locate a device.

Schools are advised to implement fully a MDM (Mobile Device Management) service allowing for centralised

management of security policies, and at a minimum enforce:

Device passcode

Regular device passcode change

Wipe on repeated device passcode failure

Remote wipe

Disable screenshot capture on the device

In addition, we advise that schools ensure the following are in-place for devices authorised to access the

SIMS Teacher app service:

Security tag devices.

Conduct a regular physical audit of devices.

Supply users with best practice advice and a governance policy for use and storage of the devices.



Device loss

In the event of a device loss, the following best-practice advice is recommended:

1. Immediately attempt a remote wipe of the device.

2. Disable the staff member’s SIMS account.

3. Reset the Microsoft or Google account for the teacher.

4. Disable the device and staff account in the SIMS Teacher app service management console.

5. Re-activate the user through a new device association and teacher account activation code after 24

hours.

Two-factor (2-FA) authentication for Administrator and Teacher Access

Capita Children’s Services recommend that schools enable two-factor (2-FA) authentication for their SIMS

Teacher app administrator and staff access account (Microsoft or Google) as an extra layer of security.

Two-factor authentication provides an increased level of security for Microsoft or Google accounts as additional

information is required to access an associated account.

Two-factor authentication is enabled within the Microsoft or Google account (not within the SIMS Teacher app)

and when setup, each time the user accesses the SIMS Teacher app they will be asked for two pieces of

information in addition to their username. The user will be asked to enter their password plus a security code

and they will only gain access to the system with these details.

Microsoft or Google account will send a unique access code to the user’s designated mobile phone via SMS, to

a Microsoft or Google app, or via email. This code will provide secure access to the SIMS Teacher app system.

If the user knows their password but lose access to their secondary security proof, Capita Children’s Services

or Microsoft or Google customer support cannot update it for them. The user’s only option is to go through a

recovery process that enforces a 30 day wait before they regain access to their account –this is to ensure

someone malicious hasn’t used this as a way to take over their account.

If the user loses access to their password AND all OTHER security information, they will not be able to regain

access to their account – this is a security measure. A new Teacher app account will need to be setup in the

management console and the teacher will need to re-authenticate with a different Microsoft or Google account.

More information on how to enable two-factor (2-FA) authentication for Microsoft accounts is available from the

Microsoft website.

More information on how to enable two-factor (2-FA) authentication for Google accounts is available from the

Google website.

For information on how to keep information protected, see http://www.getsafeonline.org/.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Two-factor verification is a great tool to help protect a Microsoft or

Google account, but it does require the user to keep their account up to date and ensure all

login details are kept securely. If the user’s security information changes (phone or alternative

email), it’s important to update their Microsoft or Google account before they discard of any

old information.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/two-step-verification-faq

https://www.google.com/landing/2step/

http://www.getsafeonline.org/



Automatic updates of the SIMS Teacher app The SIMS Teacher app has an on-going development programme, with new features, enhancements, fixes

and optimisation part of a rolling programme.

Capita SIMS will be releasing further updates to the SIMS teacher app throughout the year. In order to ensure

staff receive the latest version of the SIMS Teacher app, it is recommended that devices are configured to

allow automatic downloads. If the school is using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, it is

recommended that the MDM solution is configured can receive automatic updates where this is applicable.

Enable Automatic Downloads on your iPad

Requirements for Automatic Downloads

In order to turn on Automatic Downloads, you need:

An iTunes Store account in a country that support iTunes in the Cloud.

iTunes 10.3.3. or later.

To sign in to both your computer and your iOS device with the same Apple ID.

Enable Automatic Downloads

Tap Settings | iTunes & App Store

If prompted, sign in with your Apple ID

Tap the content that you want to automatically download > Apps

You can turn Automatic Downloads on or off over your cellular network on an iPad Wi-Fi + 3G. Go to Settings >

Store and turn Cellular Data on or off. Cellular Data downloads are limited to a file size of 50 MB or smaller.

Further information about automatic downloads

See further information from Apple about using Automatic Downloads here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3688

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5085

http://support.apple.com/kb/HE37

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3688



SIMS Teacher app Data Sharing Update This section provides information on safeguarding and data security within the Teacher app service. This

update will form part of a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA), which should be understood by all establishments

using the SIMS Teacher app service.

SIMS Teacher app Data Movement Overview

The SIMS Teacher app service operates with the SIMS system and interfaces data through the SIMS Services

Manager. Selected school information is transferred to the Teacher application on the authorised device

through SIMS data service. The data from the device is wirelessly synchronised with the school’s SIMS system

with the Teacher app and supporting service ensuring the data is updated in real-time, including timetables,

attendance information, student/pupil details and other related information used within the Teacher app.

SIMS Teacher app Transfer and Use of Personal Information

The SIMS Teacher app does not cache personal information on the app. The following information lists the

maximum available data that can be accessed using the SIMS Teacher app:

Students/Pupils Staff

Forename

Surname

Preferred name

Date of birth

Family/Home contact details for each

pupil/student, specifically:

Contact Name

Contact Address

Contact telephone number

Contact email address

Medical information

Dietary information

Achievement data

Behaviour data

Timetable

Pupil/student photograph

Pupil student’s academic house, year group

and registration group

Forename

Surname

Timetable

Teacher photograph

Capita SIMS takes data protection and the safety and security of data very seriously. All reasonable

measures to ensure the safety and security of data in the SIMS Teacher app have been taken, compliant

with all relevant parts of the 1998 Data Protection Act.



Support included for the SIMS Teacher app service The SIMS Teacher app service subscription includes support from Capita Children’s Services to help schools when

needed. SIMS Teacher app support includes telephone, email, web and remote support.

Support services provided by Capita Children’s Services

Support provided as part of the Teacher app service covers:

Support for the Teacher app software for tablet devices – iOS and Windows platforms

Support for the Teacher app management console

Support for the SIMS Services Manager

Support for the SIMS Teacher app data services

Support services not provided by Capita Children’s Services

Support provided as part of the Teacher app service does not include:

Support for the device or hardware, including operating system, MDM (Mobile Device Management) system or

other 3rd party non-SIMS apps, services or management tools

Support for setting up, managing or administering Microsoft or Google accounts or the school’s Office 365

active directory

Support for the technical environment, network or infrastructure, for example:

Support for the school’s Network or Wi-Fi connectivity – either in school or via an external provider

Support for the school’s Proxy or Firewall connections – either in school or via an external provider

Enhanced Support provided by Capita Children’s Services

Support coverage for customers with an Enhanced Support contract will be determined by the level of support

purchased as part of their Annual Entitlement. However, this does not include support of iOS Apple or Windows

devices or hardware.



Troubleshooting and useful notes

Teacher app failing to connect/login

If the iPad cannot detect an internet connection (Wi-Fi), the Teacher app does not work. Ensure an active internet

connection is available.

If you see a communication timeout message – tap OK and the App should continue to function correctly.

Problems recording achievement or behaviour information

Error when adding achievement or behaviour information

If you receive an error message when trying to record achievement or behaviour information for a student of group

of students, check your achievement or behaviour configuration within the school’s SIMS system.

Check the configuration of achievement and/or behaviour within your school’s SIMS system – information on where

to check is included within this document: Preparing for the SIMS Teacher app > Recording achievement and

behaviour within the SIMS Teacher app.

Problems recording attendance/registration

Error when assigning an attendance code

If you receive an error message when trying to record an attendance code for a student of group of students, check

with your school Teacher app administrator as this may be an attendance configuration issue within the school’s

SIMS system.

Activation details not recognised

When a teacher accesses the Teacher app – if they see an error message when entering the unique activation

code or date of birth, check the following:

Carefully check the information you are entering – the activation code is not case sensitive

Check with your SIMS Teacher app administrator to check that the activation code is correct for you – and re-

enter

Check with your SIMS administrator that the date of birth recorded in your school’s SIMS system is correct and

matches the date you are entering

Teacher app services not running

If the SIMS teacher App services are stopped, not running or not enabled, teachers will not be able to access the

SIMS Teacher app – when they login they will see the following error message: Service is offline, please speak

to your IT administrator.

Access the SIMS Services Manager and check the following services:

Data Service for Teacher app

Login Service for Teacher app

If either service has a status of Stopped – start the service.

If the services are both running, stop each service, then re-start the service.

The log files available in the SIMS Services Manager may help provide information on the status of the services –

access the SIMS Services Manager | Logs - Data Services for Teacher app.

Refer to the bottom of the log file to see the latest status.



Useful Notes

This section includes useful notes from schools and SIMS support teams about the Teacher app and will be

updated at intervals to include further useful tips and feedback:

Using the iPad Voice Dictation option:

The iPad's voice dictation is surprisingly good at translating voice into speech

1. Tap the microphone button on the iPad's on-screen keyboard. This tells the iPad that you want to start dictating.

2. Talk. The iPad will listen to your voice and turn it into text as you talk. Be sure to read over the keywords below

to find out how to start a new sentence or a new paragraph.

3. Tap the "Done" button that appears onscreen to stop dictating. It may take a few seconds to turn the last words

into text on the screen. Be sure to read it over. Voice dictation isn't perfect, so you may need to make a few

adjustments using the keyboard.

To configure the iPad Voice Dictation follow these steps

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Tap on General.

3. Scroll down to the bottom and tap on Keyboard.

4. Toggle Dictation to On.

5. Tap Enable to agree to Apple's privacy notification.

6. Tap Done

iPad Voice Dictation Keywords

The iPad's voice dictation is good at translating voice into speech, but what about ending a sentence with a

question mark or starting a new paragraph? To get the most out of voice dictation, you should remember these

keywords:

• "Full stop". The "." is the standard way to end a sentence. It includes a space after the period, so you are ready

for your next sentence.

• "Question Mark". The "?" also includes a trailing space.

• "New Paragraph". This keyword phrase starts a new paragraph. Remember to end the previous sentence before

beginning the new paragraph.

• "Exclamation Point". The "!" includes a trailing space.

• "Comma". The "," includes a trailing space.

• "Colon". The ":" includes a trailing space.

• "Semi-Colon". The ";" includes a trailing space.

• "Elipsis". The "..." includes a trailing space.

• "Quote" and "Unquote". The " produced by saying "quote" does not produce a trailing space. The " produced by

saying "unquote" does include a trailing space.



• "Slash". The "/" symbol.

• "Asterisk". The "*" symbol.

• "Ampersand". The "&" symbol.

• "At Sign". The "@" symbol.

Using the Google sign-in on the Teacher app management console

If you use the Google identity option to log into the Teacher app management console, please always remember to

sign-out of your Google account in a browser. Google accounts often remain logged in to the browser after you

have signed-in, even if you close the browser.

Update information and using a generic administrator Teacher app email address

Please ensure you monitor your administrator email inbox for any important upgrade notifications. Capita SIMS

publish information about the Teacher app through My Account also, but it is worth checking your email account

from time to time. Alternatively, you can setup forwarding options to ensure emails are sent to an account you

regularly use.

Documents

SIMS Teacher App Administrator Guide...The information contained within this SIMS Teacher app Administrator Guide should not be distributed, shared, reproduced, in any material form